Tabernacle Baptist Church

Psalm 103: 1-221.  We Bless the Lord because He is a God of Countless BenefitsA. Look at all the action verbs in the first seven verses:1. Forgives and heals2. Redeems and crowns3. Satisfies and renews4. Works and revealsB. Above all else, our God is knowable1. He desires a relationship with us2.   He is a God of Grace A.In verse 8, David quotes directly from Exodus 341. God is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast loveB.That grace is personified in Jesus1. Through the cross, our sin has been removed as far as the East is from the West3.  He is a God who is the Complete Opposite of Us A. We are dust, grass, a flower that quickly fadesB. He is eternal and enthroned in Heaven foreverC. He is meant to be worshipped, and we were made to worship Him

Psalm 127:1-51.  Who is Building your House?A) The conditional clauses we see in verse 1 emphasize the futility of human effort without GodB) Whether we are building a house, or protecting a city, we must be following God's will in every effortC) If Jesus is not our foundation, we will have a life of anxiety instead of joy and rest2.   Are Our Children Arrows or Jewelry? A) The next generation is a blessing to us, but also our responsibilityB) Do we want to protect our kids at all costs, or are we training them to be sent out by God?C) It isn't our job to make the next generation look like us, it's our job to equip them to be like Christ3.  Will our Homes Age well? A) The latter half of verse five contains legal language - The city gate is where court was held and children could speak on behalf of their parentsB) If we train the next generation to understand and live out the gospel, we will not be put to shame

Psalm 84:1-121.  We Worship God because He is our SanctuaryA) We should yearn for God in a way that can only be satisfied by communion with HimB) Just as the psalmist is drawn to the temple, so we are called to worship God collectivelyB1) There is strength in unity, when a church gathers together as one2. We Worship God because He is our StrengthA) Even when we walk through the valley of tears, our hearts are on the highway to ZionB) We aren't aloneB1) God is with us B2) When we journey with other believers, we are stronger together3.  We Worship God because He is our ProviderA) Would you rather be a servant to God or ruler of your own life?A1) There are no little people in the Kingdom of God, and no small things in His planB) He doesn't withhold any good thing from us!C) We want to grow each day in the gospel so we will be in awe of God each time we think of Him

Equipping and Empowering | Dr. Zach CrookPsalm 78:1-81.  We Can't Hide the TruthA) We can't lose sight of the main thing – the gospel!B) Asaph shares the history of Israel and tells us about some great mysteriesB1) The first mystery is why did Israel not trust and obey God?B2) The second is how can God be so gracious?!2.   God Has Given Us a Testimony and a Law A) If God hadn't spoken, we would be lost without any hopeA1) God has a given us a compass to navigate through the craziness of the twenty-first centuryB) It's important to note that God's testimony comes before God's demands in the lawB1) He saved Israel from bondage! Therefore, we respond in light of God's salvationC) We obey out of love for the mighty rescue that God has given us 3.  We Must Equip and Empower the Next GenerationA) We teach our children, the next generation, to know the truthA1) This isn't head knowledge. It's intimate knowledge. It's hiding God's Word in your heart!B) We are one generation away from losing all influence in our culture, but we are also one generation away from revival!B1) We are starting our ministry residency program to equip and empower the next generation of leaders in the church.

Psalm 73:1-17; 24-26Truth #1: Our envy leads us away from God (v.3-14)Truth #2: Our hope comes from God (v.15-20)"If you are a believer, no matter how bad this world gets, it's as close to hell as you'll ever be because heaven is your home.The reality is that if you do not know Jesus, if you have not accepted Him as Lord of your life, no matter how this world gets, if you do not know Jesus, it is as close to heaven as you'll be because hell is your home." - Shane Pruitt, NAMB Next Generation DirectorTruth #3: Our desire & strength is God (v.21-26)Truth #4: Our Refuge is God (v.27-28)"Those far from you will certainly perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, God's presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all you do." - Psalms 73:27-28Application:How we can prevent "slipping"1. We pursue accountability2. We pursue community 3. We pursue the LORD4. We pursue the lost to tell them about the LORD

Psalm 71:1-241. We have Confidence because of God's FaithfulnessA) While David is approaching the end of his life, he is able to recount how faithful God has been for his entire life!B) There is so much we can learn from our senior saints who have been faithful to God for decades!B1) We need wisdom from our older generations and we should value them2. A Hopeful PrayerA) David knows what others are saying about him, but he is leaning into God and his prayer is full of hope!B) If you still have breath in your lungs, God isn't done with you!C) We need to seek God's strength to finish strong3. We Will Proclaim God's Goodness Until the EndA) God, don't abandon me until I…A1) Share the gospel with all of my neighborsA2) See revival in our nationA3) See our church plant another churchA4) Help our church send out missionaries to every continentA5) See the debt paid offB) Let's proclaim God's goodness to the next generation and to the world!

Our Fortress | Dr. Zach CrookPsalm 46:1-111. God is our Refuge in Natural TroublesA) Because we live in a broken world, creation is groaning and there will be issuesB) It's more than that, Psalm 46 is eschatological in nature and is talking about the natural disasters that come before Christ returns to judge the worldC) Though there may be temporary issues, God has us eternally secured2. God is our Refuge in Societal TroublesA) The tremors don't just affect the natural world, but all the nations of this worldB) Surrounded by chaos, the city of God will not fallC) The help of God at “break of day” shows that He will not let his people suffer in the darkness of distress for too long3. God will be Exalted no Matter WhatA) We need to cease striving, and trust in God!A1) Judgment is coming, but God is our fortressB) Every struggle in this life is temporary, but God will be our eternal refuge, if we trust in Him

1.  We Show God's Heart for the Nations through SongA) We are called three times to sing to GodA1) Singing has been a way to worship God since the beginning of creation and will be something we do through all eternityB) Singing a new song is more than just being creative. It's sharing about fresh experiences with God!C) Singing is a great way to point others to God2.   We Show God's Heart for the Nations through MissionsA) We have a message, a method, and a mandateA1) The message is the gospelA2) The method is to share the good news dailyA3) The mandate is to take it to all peoplesB) Missions and evangelism aren't optional, they are the expectation for all believers! 3.  We Show God's Heart for the Nations through SacrificeA) We can offer a sacrifice of praise – Hebrews 13:15B) We can also sacrifice through our givingC) Jesus is worthy of worship and we must sacrifice to take his message to the world!

1. Invest in Your Walk with the Lord A) There is no substitute for spending time with GodB) We need to cling to Him and allow Him to guide us2. Invest in Your Work and Community A) In godly living, the judgment of God on humankind's work (Genesis 3:17-19) is alleviated in that labor is truly blessed by God. A1) Work will be hard, but it can be a blessing B) We are blessed by God to impact our JerusalemB1) We should seek to improve of our city 3. Invest in Your FamilyA) This is a long-term investmentA1) Olive trees may not produce for 40 years! (But they can last for hundreds of years after being properly taken care of) B) Through the power of the gospel, the blessedness of a godly man can extend to multiple generations

Psalm 42:1-11  We are Thirsty We all long for something because we were made to crave When is the last time you have desperately sought God with all that you are?Without true sustenance, we realize how weak we really are It's Ok to Lament In the midst of despair, pour out your heart to God Be honest with your feelings! Have your tears ever been your food? - v. 3 Have you ever felt forgotten? – v. 9 Have you ever been taunted? – v. 10 Simply put, you aren't alone in those experiences Hope will See Us Through Remember times you have experience GodAdverse conditions create an optimum context for reflection In times of self-doubt, focus on God's covenantal loveJesus is our great reminder of God's unfailing loveHe's never failed, and he won't start now!

What's Really Stellar?Psalm 19:1-14 1.  God's Glory is Seen in His Creation A.    The heavens are messengers that are declaring the glory of God!B.     Glory means weight, or significance. The incredible vastness and beauty of God's creation should weigh on us!B1.    When is the last time you have gone outside, looked into space, and pondered how it all came to be? 2.   God's Glory is Revealed in His Word A.    David moves from general revelation to special revelationA1.      General revelation is seen in things like creationA2.      Special revelation is seen in God's Word B.     David says that God's Word is more desirable than gold and sweeter than honeyB1.      Do we treasure God's Word in the same way? C.     Jesus is the logos, God's Word. Every adjective given in these verses about the law apply to Him too!  3.  God's Glory Changes Us! A.    David's response to creation and the Word of God is repentance!A1.      When we compare our sinful lives to God's perfection, we realize our need for a Savior! B.     The revelation of God's glory reveals our need for the gospel!B1.      We are forever changed when we truly see the glory of God!  

How Long? | Dr. Zach CrookPsalm 13:1-61. In this Life, Pain is RealA. David is crying out in anguish to God!1. He feels abandoned and ignoredB. It's ok to be honest with God…He knows what you are thinking, anyway!2. How Will You Deal with Pain?  A. When you are in the midst of pain, where do you turn?1. Do we turn to God, or do we try to numb the pain ourselves?B. In order to make sure we are turning to God, we need to do a couple of things:1. Keep a regular habit of prayer2. Be honest in our prayers3. The Gospel Moves us from Despair to Trust in the midst of Pain  A. David moves from lamenting to praising in the course of just 6 verses!1. He understands that God's love doesn't change2. He understands that God's salvation is sureB. The gospel doesn't mean we won't have any pain, it means that Jesus is enough, in spite of our painC. How long will pain last?1. Not long, when we think of eternity's scope!

Focused on the Right Things | Dr. Zach CrookPsalm 1:1-61. Focus on God's WordA. Parallelism is the heart of Hebrew poetry1. He doesn't walk, or stand, or sit2. We get the clear idea that we avoid sin!B. We find true satisfaction when our delight is in Scripture instead of sin!2. Focus on Bearing Fruit  A. The metaphor of a tree is intentional1. In Proverbs 3:18, a tree is a metaphor for wisdomB. In this passage, the idea of prospering is not tied to anything material, it isassociated with bearing biblical fruit1. Our display of the fruit of the Spirit is evidence of our love for God3. Focus on your Future  A. The truth is that judgment is coming1. The wicked will perish2. Without Christ, we are all in that camp!B. We can be assured that God intimately knows everyone who has trusted in ChristC. All who trust in Christ will be eternally blessed

What's the Meaning of This? | Dr. Zach CrookDeuteronomy 6:20-251. We Admit we were once at RiskA. We show the next generation both authenticity and humility when we share that weneeded to be rescuedB. It must be known that it's OK to not be OK!2. We Share how God is our Rescuer A. Moses says four distinct things about God:1. He is our Deliverer2. He is omnipotent3. He is a Promise-Keeper4. He is our Sustainer3. We Share our Response and Explain the Result  A. God gives us the result before he lays out his requirement1. That result is righteousness for us!a. In the present – abundant lifeb. In the future – eternal lifeB. Our response is careful obedienceC. Our entire lives should be shaped by the gospel

He is Greater | Dr. Zach CrookJohn 3:22-301. God is Sovereign      A. John the Baptist was the last prophet and really a celebrity to the Jewish people            1. He humbled himself and pointed others to Jesus       B. John knew that any success he had was a gift from God       C. Understanding God's sovereignty leads us to embrace humility2. I am Not the Christ        A. The world doesn't revolve around us       B. Like John's admission, we need to understand who the real hero of our story, and everystory, is…                 a. Jesus is the bridegroom!        C. We need to embrace our role as the “shosben”3. Jesus Must Increase A. True Joy is found when we embrace our role in God's storyB. We see Jesus increase in our lives when we focus on him and live for his glory!C. Wherever God takes you next, let John 3:30 be your life's mantra!1. Live for the gospel instead of your own selfish gain!

How to Chase Away the Next Generation | Dr. Zach CrookDeuteronomy 6:16-19How to Chase Away the Next GenerationDeut. 6:16-19We Chase Away the Next Generation When:1. We Don't Trust God's ProvisionA. Moses reminds the Israelites of their lack of trust in God in Exodus 171. The Israelites forgot about manna and wanted to go back to slavery2. Jesus was the rock in Exodus 17 and he is our provision as well – 1 Cor. 10:42. We Treat God's Commands like Suggestions A. We are commanded to do things like:a. Pick up our cross dailyb. Make disciplesc. Love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strengthd. Love our neighbors as ourselvese. Not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths…B. If we act like God's commands are optional, the next generation notices3. We Allow the Enemy a Place in our Homes A. We have to be intentional about driving out the Enemy, not letting him inB. We shouldn't give back to the Enemy what Christ purchased on the cross!

Families that Worship Together, Grow Together | Dr. Zach CrookDeuteronomy 6:10-151. We Should Worship God Because of His GraceA. Moses starts by reminding the Israelites they are about to enter into a situation wherethey will get blessing that they don't deservea. We are no differentB. We have access to both common grace and saving graceC. Grace should motivate us2. We Should Worship God Because We Fear Him A. Deuteronomy 6:13 is the last verse Jesus quoted when he was temptedB. Two major aspect of fearing God:a. Reverential Aweb. Weight of God's Holiness3. We Should Worship God Because it is an Example of Obedience A. An understanding of God's character should lead us to obedienceB. An active faith helps us avoid idolatryC. Worship is the only proper response to the gospel

#values #parenting #truthNo More Outsourcing | Dr. Zach CrookDeuteronomy 6:1-91. Build A RelationshipA. Passing our values on to our children requires a healthy relationshipB. God's model for teaching biblical truth to young people calls, not only for a constantprocess, but for a relational model as wellC. We need both quality time and quantity time2. Be an Example A. We are being watchedB. The way you live mattersa. Impress, talk, tie, bind, and write – all action verbs 3. Share the Truth  A. It's not about mezuzas and phylacteries, it's about instilling a biblicalworldview by consistently teaching the next generationa. Look for ways to share how the gospel impacts the real worldB. God is the source of all truthC. God's nature and character defines trutha. He defines what is right for all people, for all times, and for all places

Easter / April 9th, 2022 / Dr. Zach CrookRemember | Dr. Zach CrookLuke 24:1-121. Remember God's WordA. When God speaks, we should pay attentionB. His Word gives us everything we need for life and godlinessC. When our lives are disoriented, his promises should be our anchor2. Remember God's Works  A. Jesus didn't just say it, he did itB. He lived a perfect life, willingly carried his cross, and died in our place!C. The tomb is empty!D. God's past faithfulness is a great predictor of his future trustworthiness3. When All Else Fails, Run to Jesus  A. We can't survive on secondhand faithB. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus made a way for us to have a firsthand encounterwith God!C. Through Jesus we can have a real relationship with God for eternity

Be a Bringer | Dr. Zach CrookMark 2:1-121. Build RelationshipsA. In the Ancient Near East, people with disabilities were considered second classCitizens1. And yet, they were friends with him anyway!B. Just walk across the room!2. Go Above and Beyond to be a Bringer!  A. The men had a plan – get their friend to Jesus!B. The men persevered - These four men dug through 3-4 layers of the roof to try to gettheir friend in front of JesusC. They were willing for others to look at them foolishly1. Are we more afraid of man or of God?3. Be Aware of the Greatest Need  A. The friends were worried about his physical ailment1. Christ was concerned about the condition of his heart!B. The reason we meet physical needs is to open the door to share the gospel!1. Who is someone in your sphere of influence whose greatest need is yet to be met?

Standing Firm | Dr. Zach Crook1 Peter 5:1-141. Be an ExampleA. Peter challenges leaders to set an example to others1. Nearly all of us lead someone and are being watchedB. God gives us an incredible promise that we will receive a crown for our faithfulness2. Trust is KeyA. One aspect of trust is the humility to submit1. We need to embrace the fact that waiting is normal2. We submit to God in every area of our lives and cast our cares on HimB. A second aspect is being sober-minded and alert1. We don't take Satan lightly3. Stand Firm in Hope!A. Peter ends his letter by reminding us to embrace grace!1. When we do, God will restore, establish, strengthen, and support us!B. We can worship God and be encouraged no matter what we are walkingthrough because of the truth of the gospel!

1. Our Response to TrialsA. We shouldn't be surprised by trialsB. Since God is sovereign, we rejoice1. Piper – “In great suffering on earth there is great support from heaven!”C. We are sharing the sufferings of ChristD. When we rejoice in trials, we show that we are future-focused!2. We Suffer for Christ's Sake, Not our Own  A. Peter actually says that there are right and wrong ways to suffer!1. There is nothing noble about suffering for our own sinfulness2. It brings glory to God when we suffer as a Christian3. We Entrust Ourselves to God  A. The judgment Peter talks about in v. 17 isn't punitive, but purifyingB. Entrust is a banking term – it means to deposit for safe keeping1. We are valuable to God!C. If God calls us to the fire, we will not walk alone!

1. Be In the World, but not of ItA. We don't need to withdraw from the world, nor be immersed in it- We are like a boat, which is made to be in the water, but not have water in it!B. Worldliness is being consumed by the moment; it's exchanging God for his giftsC. We live for a different Kingdom!2. The End is NearA. Peter reminds us of our need for UrgencyB. Do we truly believe that Christ's return is imminent?C. C. S. Lewis reminds us: “Aim at heaven, and you will get earth thrown in; aim at earth, and you will get neither.”3.  Have an Active FaithA. Peter then lays out a few things that are indicative of a Christian who is on a mission:1. Pray – alert and sober-minded2. Love – it must be constant3. Be Hospitable4. Use your Gifts – Speak God's words and serve in His strength!B. We do it all to bring Him glory!

1 Peter 3:8-22 contains instructions on how Christians should live and behave in difficult circumstances. Peter encourages believers to have unity, compassion, and humility towards one another, even when facing persecution or hardship. He also emphasizes the importance of submitting to authority and honoring those in leadership positions.Peter reminds believers that suffering for doing good is commendable and that they should not be afraid or intimidated by those who oppose them. He encourages them to be prepared to give a defense for their faith and to do so with gentleness and respect.Peter also points to the example of Christ, who suffered unjustly but did not retaliate or seek revenge. He emphasizes the importance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross as a means of redemption and salvation for all who believe in him.Peter concludes by highlighting the significance of baptism, which symbolizes the cleansing and renewal that comes through faith in Christ. He emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects this new identity in Christ and remaining steadfast in the face of trials and persecution. 

1. Peter's Wisdom for WivesA. Men and women are equal but have different roles- Submission is never forced!B. Don't be defined by what you wear, but by your heart!C. Like Sarah, be willing to walk with your husband as you follow God's call2. Peter's Wisdom for HusbandsA. Seek to understand and serve your wifeB. Honor and serve her!- Weaker? - not in terms of intelligence or capacity for leadership or wisdom- It just means physically weakerC. Co-heirs of grace – again showing equality3. The Results of Living This WayA. Peter gives us two reasons for having a Christ-centered marriage- So our prayers won't be hindered- It's a powerful way to share the gospelB. This extends beyond just marriage – how we conduct ourselves in any relationship shows people what is inside our hearts!

1. Submit as a WitnessA. Peter gives us two reasons why we submit:     - These are institutions ordained by God.     - Our humble submission and civic goodness help silence the foolish.B. This doesn't mean there isn't room for civil disobedience, but we obey every law that we can.- Peter was martyred for refusing to stop preaching the gospel, but most of us aren't in that type of situation.2. Fearing God Leads us to Honor OthersA. We honor everyone, including those in authority above us.B. Reverence and worship are reserved for God alone!     - We should fear God, not Caesar.3. Look to Christ's ExampleA. Jesus was the Lord who submitted to death; the master who became a servant; the rightful ruler who suffered our injustice.     - By submitting to that injustice, Christ redeemed us!B. Like Christ, we need to have faith in God's judgment and be willing to deal with hardship for God's glory.

1. Understand Your Need for God's WordA. Peter gives three qualities to the Word of God:- It's Imperishable – He quotes Isaiah 40:6-8- It's Good News – He quotes Psalm 34:8- It's Alive – Jesus is the Word!2. Build Your Life on God's WordA. The cornerstone is the most important part of any building!- Jesus has to be our foundation.B. Peter again quotes Isaiah and Psalms to support his argument.- Peter was following Christ's example of quoting Scripture.- Of the 1800 verses that record Jesus, words, 180 are quotes from the Bible!C. The only way we can build our lives on God's Word is to know it and obey it!3. Share God's WordA. Peter again uses language from Scripture to remind the church who we are and what we are called to do.- Understanding our identity should lead us to activity.- As we grow in God's Word, we invite others through God's mercy into his marvelous light.

1. We are NonconformistsA. Peter shifts from talking about the living hope we have to a challenge of how we should live.- We need to prepare our minds for action.B. We shouldn't be conformed to this world.- We need to let God's Word drive our worldview, not popular opinion.2. We Should be HolyA. A defining mark of our faith should be holiness.B. We should conduct ourselves in reverential fear.C. Our commitment to God should be on a completely different level than our commitment to everything else!3. Jesus is our Sacrificial LambA. We need to live with an awareness of the preciousness and value of what Christ has done for us.- We have been redeemed.B. Peter again reminds us of Christ's blood and the atonement.- The gospel is our motivation.

1. Our Hope is CertainA. Peter starts with a song.B. God's mercy has given us a living hope!C. Peter reminds us that we have an incredible inheritance as sons and daughters of the King.D. We are living on Saturday, but Sunday is coming!2. Our Hope Gives us Joy in TrialsA. We rejoice even when we are suffering because of our living hope.B. God is refining us in trials.- What if the pain of this life is God's blessing in disguise?C. A faith that can't be tested can't be trusted.D. Remember the goal!3. Our Hope was Prophesied About and Revealed through ChristA. Peter concludes this section by looking at salvation's greatness, not through the eyes of the recipient, but the agents who brought it.- The Old Testament prophets proclaimed this message.- The Holy Spirit inspired the message.- The New Testament apostles preached the message.B. The saving power of the gospel is so powerful that angels are in awe!

How do we reconcile what the Bible teaches as God's goodness and all-powerful nature with the existence of evil in the world? What is the biblical answer to the question “Why do bad things happen to good people?”Having a biblical framework is crucial when bad things happen to us. 1. When we make bad decisions, CONFESS AND ASK FORGIVENESS.2. When others make bad decisions, FORGIVE THEM. 3. When disciplined by the Lord, REPENT.4. When tested, be PATIENT AND HAVE FAITH.When times of trouble do come, remind yourself of the words in 1 Peter 5:10 “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

1. An Overview of 1 Peter- The author is Peter.- It was written in AD 64-65, right around the time that Nero burned Rome.- Persecution was increasing and Peter was writing to believers to remind them of their hope in the midst of difficulties.2. We are Exiles- Chosen – Jesus does the saving!- Exiles – We live between two worlds and don't fit in.- Instead of conforming to culture, we are called to be different.3. Redemption is a Triune Activity - Verse 2 shows us that redemption is a Triune activity – it's Trinitarian love!- We have been chosen by the Father.- Purchased by the Son.- Set apart by the Spirit.- The sprinkling of Christ's blood allows believers to have grace and peace.

1. Act Like You Know What You are Talking About- A main theme in 1 Peter is that we should be living hope-filled lives in a hopeless world.- Peter's presupposition is that we will be living in such a way that nonbelievers will want to ask about the hope we have.2. Actually Know What You are Talking About- We need to be able to articulate our faith!- Focus on answering two questions:- Why do you love Jesus?- How did he change your life?3. Win People, Not Arguments- We persuade with gentleness and respect.- It's not us against unbelievers. They aren't the enemy. Satan is the enemy!4. Your Testimony Can Change Lives- You might be the only Bible the lost read.- When we live with hope, the world is attracted to our faith.

Taking the Lord's Supper was how we decided to start off 2023. What a blessing to be a part of the Tabernacle family! We are certain the Lord still has great things to do to us and through us!

1. There is a Scarlet Thread through Scripture- Every story in Scripture whispers Christ's name- The common theme that brings all of the Bible together is the atonement 2. Foreshadowing Swaddling Bands- There is a repetition of the idea of Jesus being wrapped in cloths in both verses 7 and 12- When something is repeated that closely in Scripture, it means we should pay attention!- The lambs used for sacrifices in the temple were raised in Bethlehem!3. Jesus was Born to Die and his Death Gives us Life!- The only reason we can celebrate Christ's birth is because of his death and resurrection. He died so we could live.- He gives us the incredible gift of eternal life!

1. God can Turn your Marks of Sin into Memorials of Grace- It's not a license to sin, or a reward for sin, but we often grow in grace when we are disciplined.- Zechariah had nine months to reflect on God's promise to him. - Meditate on God's Word in the midst of difficult times!2. Jesus is our Horn of Salvation - What does that mean? Not a horn that you blow. - Psalm 92:9-10 gives us a picture of what it stood for: Weapon!- There are only two instances of the phrase “horn of salvation” in the Old Testament and they are references to God, not man.- God is his defense (his shield) and his offense (his deadly and powerful horn).- He is a horn of salvation because he uses his power to secure and protect his people.3. Our Role is to Point to Christ!- While this message is called “The Other Christmas Baby”, you see that there isn't much about him here. We find out his name, John, and his purpose…proclamation.- Two big ways that we can point the lost people to Jesus this Christmas season. - Share the message! Let your actions back up your words. - Be generous!

1. Angelic Pronouncements- Mary is given the news that completely flips her world upside down- He is called Immanuel – God with us! (Isaiah 7:14)2. How Can This Be?-  The angel has to explain to Mary about the Virgin Birth – an incredibly important doctrine forbelievers- Gabriel's final words? Nothing is impossible with God!3. Working In before Working Through- Though she doesn't understand, Mary submits to God's will- God also works in Elizabeth and her unborn child, John the Baptist- Mary responds by breaking out into a song - God confounds us by choosing the unlikely 

1. Breaking the Silence- God speaks after 400 years of silence- God correlates this announcement through Gabriel with Malachi 4.2. Is this Really True?- Just like Zechariah, our initial response can often be doubt- Make no doubt about it, Luke's gospel was right on, declaring he had done the work; therefore, what he is writing and telling, is completely accurate. What you believe and what others have taught you is accurate!3. How Should We Respond?- Either we believe, or we don't. There is no middle ground- We respond in faith because:- Silence from God does not mean inactivity in our lives- God's timeline for everything in your life is both right and purposeful- God is sovereign and can do anything he wants!

1. A Heart Revealed- There is something fundamentally wrong if we don't celebrate God giving grace to others- Jonah wants to remake God in his own image- God is asking Jonah two questions:- Why are you doing this to yourself?- Are you sure you've gauged this situation properly?- Jonah was saved from the belly of a fish, but he needed to be saved from the power of sin in his life- God's response to Jonah's tantrum is to comfort him2. Jonah has Misplaced Love- The same God who sent the plant also sent the worm and the wind- God is basically questioning Jonah: how can he love plants more than people?- In God's city, the inhabitants love people and walk on gold. In man's city, the inhabitants love gold and walk on people     3. We Must be Missional, Not Tribal- Jonah values self-preservation; God values self-sacrifice- Does God want us to run away or towards our perceived enemies?- God's capacity to forgive is greater than our capacity to sin- If we understand the size of our sin and the size of God's grace, it should lead us to see the size of God's mission

1. The Church Needs to Redefine Success- Intimidating odds should not make us cower- Hold fast to our supernatural God- Success is obedience2.  Throw the Pass Anyway- If we proclaim it, God's Word can change hearts- God humbled Jonah, and then used him to humble the Assyrians- Your lost cause could be God's tool for greatness     3.  God is Unbelievably Gracious- God has made a way- God's wrath has been poured out – 2 Cor. 5:21- Let's celebrate and share Christ's sacrifice

God is still in the business of restoring people's lives. We can see Him bringing restoration throughout the Bible, and He's still bringing restoration today. God restores our identity as sons and daughters of the King. We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.God restores our calling. Identity should naturally lead to activity because we are God's ambassadors on earth.When your “brushwork” is analyzed, do people see the marks of Jesus in you? 

What is it going to take for us to cry out to God? We need to realize that even in the depths, God is still in control! When we encounter ourselves in the depths, this can be the result of two things: the reality of living in a broken world or a consequence of our sin. In the depths, we realize we are helpless and hopeless without God. Just like Jonah realized that in the past and cried out to God, the same truth is for us today. Without the Lord we are nothing. Sometimes, God allows us to get into hopeless situations so we will realize how much we need Him, and so He will get the credit if we are delivered.Finally, in the depths, we should realize that salvation belongs to the Lord. Like Jonah, we need to be desperate for God. We need Ebenezers in our lives to remind us of what God has done!

Are you a blessing or a barrier to the people around you? Jonah was a barrier to the people on the ship. He almost killed them all, however, God is sovereign. Like the sailors paddling for shore, any effort to save others apart from God falls short. In his providence, God used Jonah's warped witness to lead these pagan sailors to worship Him. We must understand that our most important citizenship is not of this world and that there is always going to be collateral damage when we disobey God, so if you want to be a blessing instead of a barrier, accept responsibility for your actions. 

When is the last time you meditated on the fact that the Creator of the universe speaks to us? If our Creator speaks, we should listen to Him.There are only two responses when God speaks: obedience or rebellion. Jonah rebelled. He was fearful of his enemies and had a difficult time understanding why God cared for the Ninevites.Just like God has spoken to Jonah, he has spoken to us. Are you going to obey or rebel when He speaks?It is our job to obey, even when we do not understand all the reasons why God is doing what He is doing. Jonah had a difficult time with the Ninevites, however, the question is: who are your Ninevites? Maybe that person or group of people that you don't understand the way they live.  Pray that God will soften your heart towards our perceived enemies, remembering always that the enemy of our souls is not them, but Satan.